USF's deal with Yuengling could raise image concerns in light of underage drinkingUSF
Yuengling has signed a 10-year deal "for the naming rights" to USF's Sun Dome, which will "become the Yuengling Center on July 1," according to Ashley Gurbal Kritzer of the TAMPA BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL. Pennsylvania-based Yuengling has "operated a brewery in Tampa" since '99. The naming-rights deal is "part of a larger initiative the brewer launched in recent years to raise its profile in the Tampa Bay region." The deal also includes "east- and west-side field level signs and LED ribbon board branding in Raymond James Stadium for USF home football games." Terms of the deal "were not disclosed." The naming-rights deal was "facilitated by Tampa Bay Entertainment Properties," a venture backed by Lightning Owner & Chair Jeff Vinik (BIZJOURNALS.com, 6/12). In Tampa, Joey Knight in a front-page piece notes the partnership "raises immediate image concerns in light of the perpetual issue of alcohol consumption -- particularly underage drinking -- on university campuses nationwide." Yuengling and USF announced a "series of social-responsibility initiatives to be implemented" prior to the start of the '18-19 school year. Among them are a "new designated-driver program at athletic events and concerts, and a USF Student Government Association partnership with Lyft that offers student discounts for the ride-sharing service on weekends." Knight notes beer already is "sold at all of USF's major home sporting events" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 6/13).
